Sound Plus Doctrine

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Sound Plus Doctrine, hosted by Bob Kauflin and David Zimmer, is the podcast of Sovereign Grace Music, designed for those who plan, lead, or participate in their church’s Sunday gatherings. Bob has been a pastor for over three decades and leads Sovereign Grace Music. He’s well-known as a worship leader, songwriter, speaker, and author. David, his good friend, is an experienced drummer, vocalist, teacher, and songwriter. Both are now both part of Sovereign Grace Church in Louisville, KY, and they’d love for you to join them each week for an engaging, Christ-centered conversation about music and the church.

Sovereign Grace Music


    • Sep 23, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 115 EPISODES

    5 from 152 ratings Listeners of Sound Plus Doctrine that love the show mention: bob and david, worship, sing, gospel, church, resource, music, refreshing, great, listen, love.


    Ivy Insights

    The Sound Plus Doctrine podcast is a must-listen for anyone who is passionate about worship through song. Hosted by brothers Bob and David, this podcast is dedicated to ensuring that the songs we sing in worship are doctrinally sound, Gospel-centered, and bring glory to Christ. Their commitment to singing truth and challenging others to do the same is evident throughout each episode.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the emphasis on biblical accuracy and theological depth in worship music. Bob and David's sincere desire to exalt Christ and uphold the foundations of God's Word shines through in every discussion. They provide insightful perspectives on how music can emotionally affect us in the short term, but ultimately Jesus is the only one who can truly transform us. The episodes are filled with valuable insights and practical wisdom that can greatly enhance one's understanding of worship.

    Another stand-out aspect of The Sound Plus Doctrine podcast is the chemistry between Bob and David. They make a great duo, with both being excellent storytellers who effectively communicate the gospel message. It's refreshing to hear their genuine passion for worship music and their love for God come through in their discussions. Their engaging conversations make for an enjoyable listening experience that keeps you coming back for more.

    While there are many positives about this podcast, one possible downside is that it may not cater to everyone's musical tastes or preferences. The focus of the podcast is primarily on doctrinal accuracy rather than exploring different musical styles or genres within worship music. Therefore, those looking for a more diverse range of musical discussions may find themselves wanting more from this podcast.

    In conclusion, The Sound Plus Doctrine podcast is an absolute gem for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of worship through song. Bob and David's commitment to singing truth, upholding biblical accuracy, and exalting Christ sets them apart in the world of worship podcasts. With their storytelling abilities and gospel-centered approach, they bring a fresh perspective that resonates with listeners. Whether you lead music at a church or simply have a love for worship music, this podcast is an invaluable resource that will inspire and challenge you in your own journey of worship.



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    Latest episodes from Sound Plus Doctrine

    How Should We Think About Lyric Projection on Sundays?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 33:59


    Many, if not most, churches today project lyrics on a screen to enable congregational singing. But technology has given us a variety of options for lyric projection that require biblical discernment, thoughtfulness, and intentionality. In this first episode of Season 8, Bob Kauflin and David Zimmer explore what our aim is in lyric projection, suggest […]

    Are You an Anxious Leader?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2024 36:56


    If you’ve ever been anxious, nervous, insecure, fearful, jittery, or apprehensive about leading your congregation on a Sunday, this episode is for you! Of course, it’s relevant to other situations in as well. Bob and David talk about the difference between good anxiety and bad anxiety, and explore means God has given us in his […]

    Interview with Jonathan Lane (Integrity Music), Part 2: Questions for Creatives

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 30:16


    For more than 20 years, Sovereign Grace Music songs have been administrated by Integrity Music. In that relationship we’ve had the joy of working with Jonathan Lane, the Vice President of Music Administration and Contracts for Integrity, who has been an invaluable resource for questions related to contracts, licensing, royalties, and CCLI. In this second […]

    Interview with Jonathan Lane (Integrity Music), Part 1: Questions from Churches

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 32:26


    For more than 20 years, Sovereign Grace Music songs have been administrated by Integrity Music. In that relationship we’ve had the joy of working with Jonathan Lane, the Vice President of Music Administration and Contracts for Integrity, who has been an invaluable resource for questions related to contracts, licensing, royalties, and CCLI. In this first […]

    The Paradox of the Worship Selfie

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 30:52


    For those in public ministry, especially musicians in the church, social media can be a convenient way to let others know what we’ve been doing. But when does the desire to communicate ways we’ve been serving become more about us than Jesus? In this episode, Bob and David explore that topic and suggest ways we […]

    Musicians Are Part of the Congregation Too

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 33:15


    It’s easy for leaders and band members to think of themselves as different, separated from, or even above the members of their congregation. In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine, Bob and David suggest reasons we might think that way, why it’s unhelpful and unbiblical, and ways we can start seeing ourselves a members of […]

    Gender, The Gospel, and Our Gatherings [Part 2]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024


    In this second part of our interview with Josh Blount, we get into more details about what difference being made male and female makes as we think about our Sunday gatherings. Josh serves as a pastor of Living Faith Church in Franklin, WV, and wrote his doctoral dissertation on issues related to gender. Below are […]

    Gender, The Gospel, and Our Gatherings [Part 1]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 27:48


    The world is more confused than ever about the distinctions between men and women and why they even exist. Do those differences matter? Are there problems if we neglect them? And what does gender have to do with our Sunday meetings? To help us answer those questions and learn why God’s design for men and […]

    How Do Musicians and the Sound Team Work Together?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 32:33


    Church musicians and sound teams aren’t always on the same page. Sometimes they rarely talk to each other! In this Sound Plus Doctrine episode, Bob, David, and Devon dive into practical ways bands and tech teams can work together to serve their churches more effectively for the glory of Christ. Have a question about this […]

    Q&A: Questionable Songs, Receiving Compliments, Asking for Mercy, and Rehearsals

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 31:39


    In this episode, Bob, David, and Devon answer questions that have been sent in to the podcast. We revisit singing songs from questionable sources, how to respond when someone encourages you for your leading, the appropriateness of asking God for mercy, and how long rehearsals should be. Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com Follow us […]

    How Covid Affected Our Church’s Worship

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 33:10


    When we first became aware of it in 2020, COVID-19 had a significant impact on churches throughout the world. For some, it brought to the forefront questions about who decides when the church can gather. For others, it revealed a deficiency in our understanding of why the church meets. For everyone, it caused us to […]

    How Do You Evaluate Your Sunday Gathering?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 38:19


    Every week church leaders plan their Sunday gathering. How do we measure whether or not those meetings have been effective? More importantly, how do we know if they’ve been pleasing to the Lord? Join Bob, David, and Devon as they talk about various standards we can use to determine if our meetings are being faithful […]

    Finding God Faithful in Unexpected Trials

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2023 40:44


    We often find it easy to trust God when things are going well and difficult to trust him when our world is falling apart. But Scripture assures us we can “trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock” (Isaiah 26:4, ESV). In this very personal episode David Zimmer and Bob Read More

    Idolatry on Sunday Mornings [Part 2]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2023 40:44


    We gather each Sunday as the church to hear from God and worship him as he has revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ. But we can subtly shift our worship to secondary matters like music, liturgy, or skill and end up engaging in idolatry. This is the part 2 of two episodes where David Read More

    Idolatry on Sunday Mornings [Part 1]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2023 34:09


    We gather each Sunday as the church to hear from God and worship him as he has revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ. But we can subtly shift our worship to secondary matters like music, liturgy, or skill and end up engaging in idolatry. This is the first of two episodes where David and Read More

    How Much Training Do I Need to Lead Congregational Worship?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2023 30:33


    One Sound + Doctrine listener wrote in to ask, “How much musical or theological training do I need to be effective in leading congregational worship?” While there are a number of factors to consider, Bob and David devote this episode to taking a stab at answering that question.   References and resources Systematic Theology by Read More

    Live Recording: Planning the Sunday Service for Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2023 52:17


    What does planning a Sunday meeting actually look like? In this episode we take you behind the scenes with a zoom recording of planning a Sunday morning at Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville. David and Bob are joined by Fabrizio Rodulfo and Reuben Foster, members of the church. References: For The Cause by Keith Getty, Read More

    What is a Woman’s Role in Leading Worship in Song?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2023 36:26


    More than a few women have asked us how we should view a woman’s role in leading music on Sundays in light of Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 11:33-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-15. We invited Jeff Purswell, dean of the Sovereign Grace Pastors College, to join us for a conversation on how we can think about Read More

    Unchanging God

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2023 35:03


    Sovereign Grace Music records songs that are meant to be sung in local churches, not just listened to. In this episode, Bob and David talk about how they have utilized the songs from Unchanging God, Vol. 1 in their Sunday meetings at Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville.  References: Unchanging God: Songs From the Book of Read More

    How Should God’s Word Function In Our Sunday Gatherings?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2023 37:17


    People sometimes view the music and the preaching on Sunday morning as unrelated. But God intended Scripture to govern, guide, fill, and fuel our times together. What does that mean for how we structure and lead our gatherings? That’s the topic David and Bob discuss with Jeff Purswell, dean of the Sovereign Grace Pastor’s College, Read More

    How Can We Share Musical Opinions Humbly?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2023 31:26


    Band rehearsals for Sunday morning can sometimes reveal differing thoughts on how songs should be sung, played, and interpreted. How do we share those thoughts humbly, while continuing to pursue musical excellence? That’s the topic David and Bob dig into on this episode of Sound + Doctrine. References: Proverbs 12:15 Proverbs 21:2 Romans 12:16 Colossians Read More

    Backing Tracks – Blessing or Curse? Or Something in Between?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2023 33:40


    For about 15 years now, churches have had the option of using instrumental and vocal tracks to supplement or replace live musicians on Sunday mornings. In this episode, Bob and David ask what the benefits and drawbacks of adopting backing tracks might be and consider what the Bible has to say to help us. Have Read More

    The Gospel's Effect on Life and Songs – An Interview with Caroline Cobb [Part 3]

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2023 26:44


    In part 3 of an interview with singer/songwriter Caroline Cobb, Bob & David talk with her about the effect the gospel has had in her parenting as well as the story she seeks to tell through her songs. References: Psalms: The Poetry of Prayer: https://slinky.to/PsalmsThePoetryofPrayer Have a question about this episode? Send us an email Read More

    Should We Sing Songs from Questionable Sources?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2023 32:13


    How should we think about singing songs by artists or ministries that we have theological concerns about? Are there any biblical principles to guide us? That’s the conversation Bob Kauflin, David Zimmer, and Devon Kauflin engage in on this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine. Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at Read More

    Navigating Motherhood and Artistry – An Interview with Caroline Cobb [Part 2]

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 29:05


    In part 2 of an interview with singer/songwriter Caroline Cobb, Bob & David talk with her about the challenging task of pursuing a career as an artist while maintaining priorities as a wife and mom, and doing both for the glory of Christ. References: Psalms: The Poetry of Prayer: https://slinky.to/PsalmsThePoetryofPrayer Have a question about this Read More

    Family Worship

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2023 29:48


    God makes it clear in Deuteronomy 6, Ephesians 6, and other Scriptures that parents are responsible to raise their children to trust in Christ and walk in obedience to God’s commands. But for many parents, the topic of family worship brings up feelings of discouragement, failure, or striving. In this episode, Bob and David talk Read More

    Biblical Imagination and Being a Faithful Steward – An Interview with Caroline Cobb [Part 1]

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 35:04


    In part 1 of an interview with singer/songwriter Caroline Cobb, Bob & David talk with her about how she got into writing songs that tell the story of the Bible and how as a songwriter she navigates the tension between being a creative and pursuing biblical faithfulness. References: “A Word on Poetry from A Godward Read More

    How Should We Think About Lighting On Sunday Mornings?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2023 34:27


    To kick off season 6 of Sound Plus Doctrine, Bob Kauflin, David Zimmer, and Devon Kauflin dive into what the Bible has to say about lighting in our Sunday gatherings. Does it matter? Is it just a matter of preference? What does the lighting on Sunday mornings say to your church? Enjoy the conversation! Have Read More

    What Do You Do When You Have Problems With the Songs You're Singing on Sundays?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2023 30:38


    A podcast listener sent in this question, asking what to do when the songs your church is singing are problematic, either for musical or theological reasons. It’s a question we’ve received more than once, and in this episode David and Bob seek to provide biblical and practical answers. Have a question about this episode? Send Read More

    How Should We Think About Technology in Our Sunday Gatherings?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2023 38:04


    In a world that breathlessly awaits hearing how the latest technology is going to make our lives better, eaiser, and more fruitful, how should the church respond? In what ways do musical, audio, and visual technologies change us as we use them? Does God’s Word have anything to say to us about technologies that didn’t Read More

    What is the Role of the Senior Pastor?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2023 36:28


    It’s not uncommon for a senior pastor to focus on preaching and give little to no attention to other aspects of the Sunday gathering. In this episode, David Zimmer and Bob Kauflin are joined by Jared Mellinger, senior pastor of Covenant Life Fellowship in Glen Mills, PA, to talk about the important role a senior Read More

    How Do I Lead Songs For A Youth Group?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2023 31:54


    Few things can be as disheartening as trying to lead a group of unresponsive teens in congregational worship. A faithful listener sent in an email asking what to do in that situation, and how to effectively encourage your musicians. Bob, David, and Devon tackle that question and seek to steer us away from thinking music Read More

    Behind the Song: All of Our Tomorrows

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2022 30:46


    In this episode, Bob and David are joined by Dave Fournier and Ryan Foglesong, writers of the new hymn, All of Our Tomorrows. It’s a fascinating conversation that touches on the songwriting process, the benefit of relationships, and the importance of singing songs that remind us this world is not our home. Watch the live Read More

    Physical Expressiveness Part 3: How Can My Church Grow?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2022 26:03


    So you’re becoming more convinced that God has given us bodies to naturally respond to him in ways that point to his glory and our satisfaction in him. Even on Sunday mornings. But what if your church isn’t in the same place? How do you help you church grow in a natural, biblical expressiveness that Read More

    Physical Expressiveness Part 2: What the Bible Says

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2022 42:41


    The way we think about physical expression in our Sunday gatherings is often shaped more by culture, tradition, preference, or temperament than the Word of God. In this episode, part 2 of 3, Bob and David look at what the Bible says about physical expressiveness in congregational worship and respond to each of the concerns Read More

    Physical Expressiveness Part 1: Ten Problems With It

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2022 25:55


    What kinds of physical expressiveness are appropriate and God-honoring when the church gathers? How should we think through the issues of distraction, potential hypocrisy, tradition, and emotionalism? Does this issue even matter? In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine, part 1 of 3, David and Bob talk about ten reasons people give for avoiding or Read More

    What Songs Should We Sing at Christmas?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2022 33:20


    Every year as Christmas rolls around, leaders face the challenge of determining what songs to sing. Do we stick with traditional carols? How do we introduce new songs? When should we start? Can we sing Christmas songs at other times? In this episode, David and Bob seek to provide some helpful answers to these questions Read More

    Open the Eyes of My Face, Lord

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2022 29:12


    It’s common for members of a congregation, as well as those who lead from the front, to think that the best way to worship God in song is with your eyes closed. Is that a good idea? Does it really matter? In this episode, co-hosts Bob Kauflin and David Zimmer, joined by Bob’s son, Devon, Read More

    Arranging Your Band on Sunday Mornings with Ben Shive [Part 2]

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2022 31:55


    In this episode, part 2 of 2, David and Bob dig deeper with Ben Shive via zoom into the topic of arranging your band on Sundays. He covers common mistakes bands often make, and offers wise counsel for specific instruments. This is a great episode to listen to with your team! Have a question about Read More

    Arranging Your Band on Sunday Mornings with Ben Shive [Part 1]

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2022 28:22


    Ben Shive is gifted and widely loved producer, arranger, and songwriter. HIs musical credits are long and include Andrew Peterson, Keith and Kristyn Getty, Melanie Penn, and JJ Heller. We’ve had the opportunity to work with Ben on our Unchanging God, Vol. 1 & 2 albums, as well as 4 singles yet to be released. Read More

    The Seven Biggest Mistakes You Can Make as A Worship Leader [Part 2]

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2022 37:17


    If you lead the singing in your church, you know the challenges. But some of the biggest challenges are those we create ourselves. In this episode, part 2 of 2, David, Bob, and Devon explore four more common mistakes to avoid, and God-honoring priorites to pursue. Scriptures referenced in this episode: “Keep your heart with Read More

    Season 5 Episode 01 – The Seven Biggest Mistakes You Can Make as A Worship Leader [Part 1]

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2022 30:04


    In the first episode of Season 5, co-hosts David Zimmer and Bob Kauflin are joined by Bob’s son, Devon, to talk about seven mistakes congregational worship leaders often make. While these aren’t the ONLY mistakes you can make, they certainly rank among the most common. The conversation was so enjoyable that they only got to Read More

    Season 4 Episode 14 – How Do I Lead a Bi-Lingual Service?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2022 29:24


    What do you do when half the people in your town speak another language? What steps can you take to develop a Sunday service that serves your members as well as the non-English speakers in your community? Bob Kauflin and David Zimmer seek to give biblical and practical answers to those questions in this final Read More

    Season 4 Episode 13 – How Do We Use Orchestral Instruments on Sunday Morning?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2022 29:18


    What can you do when you have violinist, cellist, or trumpet player in your church who wants to play in your band? Is their only option to look for a church that uses an orchestra? Not at all. In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine, David Zimmer and Bob Kauflin talk about ways orchestral instruments Read More

    Season 4 Episode 12 – Why Isn’t My Congregation Singing?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2022 38:02


    Few things are more deflating for a leader of congregational worship than looking out Sunday after Sunday on people who are distracted, emotionless, or not singing at all. But often the problem lies not in what people are doing, but in what we do as leaders. In this practical episode of Sound Plus Doctrine, David Read More

    Season 4 Episode 11 – Why God Doesn’t Need Our Worship

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2022 29:56


    It’s too easy to approach corporate worship with the idea that God needs our skills, talents, and gifts to be glorified. That perspective can result in anxiety over whether or not our worship will be “good enough.” In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine David and Bob use Psalm 50 as a guide for discovering Read More

    Season 4 Episode 10 – The Worship Leader and His Family [Part 2]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2022 36:05


    Father’s Day Edition: In this episode, part 2 of 2 on the Worship Leader and His Family, David talks with Bob (father of 6, grandfather of 21) about the challenges and joys of raising a family. They cover the early years up through parenting teens, and speak to the importance of your kids never feeling Read More

    Season 4 Episode 09 – Q&A: How Old Is Too Old for the Worship Team?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2022 29:06


    A number of people have sent us questions about how to approach the issue of aging on a music team. Some are asking if they've aged out of leading. Others have wondered how to approach this topic with members of their band. In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine, David Zimmer and Bob Kauflin explore Read More

    Season 4 Episode 08 – Q&A: Vocal Arranging for Sunday Mornings

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2022 27:36


    For centuries, the church has been conflicted over whether congregations should sing in unison or harmony. Everyone singing melody together is powerful, but harmony can add beauty and interest. In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine, David Zimmer and Bob Kauflin explore some of the principles that can help vocalists and leaders determine how to Read More

    Season 4 Episode 07 – How To Be A Good Team Member

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2022 31:54


    Being a vocalist or instrumentalist in the church is a joyful privilege. But it's easy to forget that. We can slip into laziness, comparison, and other attitudes that disrupt team unity, don't serve the leader, and ultimately dishonor the Lord. In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine, David Zimmer and Bob Kauflin talk about ways Read More

    Season 4 Episode 06 – The Worship Leader and His Family [Part 1]

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2022 34:34


    More than the worship we offer God when we’re in front of people on Sunday mornings, God cares about the worship of our lives. Especially as it’s revealed in our family relationships. In this episode, part 1 of 2, David interviews Bob about his relationship with his wife of 45 years, Julie, and how he Read More

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